Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that are passed between people during sexual activity. They are often referred to as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) because sometimes an infection will not cause an actual disease or show symptoms.

STDs can be spread from one person to another during sexual intercourse, anal sex, or oral sex. STDs can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Viral STDs usually have no cure.

The most common STDs are Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV.

The only sure way to avoid contracting and STD is sexual abstinence. Using condoms can dramatically reduce risk, but protection is not 100% guaranteed.